Narrowing the Attainment Gap through Parental Engagement

Authors

  • Bingying Gao The University of Edinburgh

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/ret.v3i3.1879

Abstract

Based on the selected policy of Scotland Delivering Excellence and Equity in Scottish Education (2016a) with its context in related concepts and literature support. This essay will focus on the engagement of parents as a part of narrowing the attainment gap with socio- economic and political factors and what is provided by schools to promote social commitment and achieving equity during the Scottish education process. Critically analysis and reflection of the policy implementation and the way to look forward. As for the main part, the author explains what attainment and attainment gap is, the aim of the policy and discusses the reasonable of the policy through offered evidence. Following the interpretation of “policy as discourse” approach, and whereby how will the Scottish Government and Education Scotland support children and families to closing the attainment gap in this policy. The theory of the forms of social justice will be addressed in this policy. For example, equity, redistribution, recognition, capabilities. After that, the challenges and struggles of the policy implementation will be indicated. Connecting with the practitioner's current situation and concentrates on the relevant skills that will be improved, applied as a practitioner for professional development and the way to cooperate with children’s parents in the context of early years setting. That is why this policy was chosen by the author. Finally, a conclusion with the critical points of the significance of parental involvement during the process of closing the attainment gap will be offered.

Keywords:

Attainment gap, Parental engagement, Equity, Policy, Social commitment

References

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Vol. 3 , Iss. 3 (July 2020)

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